Portable oxygen safety

Portable oxygen safety

Do you use home oxygen therapy? Oxygen by itself is not flammable, but it can feed a fire. When oxygen is flowing near fabrics like bed and furniture coverings, they can burn more easily.

How to store oxygen containers:

  • Keep all liquid oxygen containers upright in well-ventilated spaces and at least 10 feet away from heat and open flame.
  • Compressed oxygen cylinders should also be secured and stored in an upright position.

Home safety

  • Do not smoke, or allow visitors to smoke, while using oxygen. It can lead to fire and serious burns.
  • Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs inside and outside the home to remind residents and guests not to smoke.
  • Do not cook while using oxygen.
  • Body oil, hand lotion and items containing oil and grease can easily burn. Keep oil and grease away from where oxygen is in use.
  • Never use aerosol sprays containing combustible materials near the oxygen.

When using a medical oxygen tank:

  • If medical oxygen or an oxygen tank is used in the home, the amount of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, hair, and bedding can increase, making it easier for a fire to spread. This means that there is a higher risk of fires and burns.
  • Where medical oxygen is in use, do not smoke, never use a sparking toy, an open flame such as a match or lighter, a fireplace or stove, or any other device fuelled by gas, kerosene, wood, or coal.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the care and use of oxygen equipment.

Other resources

  • Fire safety for seniors

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean euismod bibendum laoreet.

  • Home safety program

    Since 1996, Calgary firefighters have been visiting Calgary homes to share important home safety information and inspect, replace and install smoke alarms.

  • Home escape plan

    You may have as little as two minutes to escape from a house fire, knowing how to use those minutes can save lives.

  • In your home

    Make sure your home is safe so that you are prepared in the case of an emergency.

undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null